Bio-technology research should be aimed at reducing India's dependence on other countries for life-saving vital medicines, speakers at a seminar here said.

The research should benefit society as a whole and with bio-technology offering numerous opportunities, it was the right time for young minds to be catalysed, said Prof Basuthkar J Rao, Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.

In his inaugural address at a seminar on the New Horizons in Plant Biotechnology and Innovative Products and Applications, Prof Rao, who was the chief guest, said the research should focus on plants that yield bio-chemicals that benefit mankind.
The seminar, organised by the School of Bio Sciences and Technology of VIT University, saw the participation of 189 students, scientists and faculty members from 26 colleges and universities from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

VIT University Chancellor, Dr G Viswanathan, in his presidential address, said with a total of 2,146 papers, his university had overtaken the Indian Institute of Science in the publication of scientific papers through its research-oriented education system.

Prof R Siva, SBST of VIT University, who is also the organising secretary of the seminar, welcomed the gathering and SBST Prof K M Gothandam, proposed a vote of thanks.